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Discover the world of Mars
If so, then Mars is the place for you.
Almost 100 years ago, in 1911, Frank Mars and his wife Ethel started making candy in their Tacoma, Washington, kitchen. Today, Mars, Incorporated, is still family-owned. It’s also the third-largest food company and one of the largest privately-held businesses in the world.
We’re extremely proud to be entirely family-owned. Why is this so important? It means that we’re completely in charge of driving our success and shaping our future. We have fewer restrictions than most companies. This gives our Associates the freedom to excel by being passionate, creative, innovative and daring. In short, allowing Associates to take chances.
We have always been a decentralized organization with a very small corporate center. We value local consumer knowledge and believe our Associates in the markets are best equipped to make the decisions to meet business needs and goals. This gives our Associates strong accountability and leadership opportunities throughout the business.
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Mars is in the top 10 of family-owned businesses in the world. Find out what puts us there.
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As a child, with a mild case of polio and unable to play outside, his mother, Alva, teaches him how to hand dip chocolate.
Frank C. Mars and his second wife, Ethel rent their first candy factory, the Mars Candy Factory, where they employ 125 people.
In September 1923, after three years of research, the MILKY WAY® candy bar is introduced. The first advertising is “A Chocolate Malted Milk in a Candy Bar.”
The SNICKERS® Bar is introduced and sold for 2¢.
Wrigley introduces the DOUBLEMINT® Twins concept.
M&M’S® Plain Chocolate Candies are introduced hand packed in a paper tube to sell in warm weather.”
The first M’s are printed on M&M’S Plain Chocolate Candies The slogan “Look for the M on every piece” is created.
M&M’S Peanut Chocolate Candies are brought to the market.
Wrigley’s first cinnamon gum is introduced. BIG RED® has been a consumer favorite since 1987.
All senior/general managers worldwide meet in Easton, Maryland and formalize The Five Principles.
Mars becomes the first candy in space when M&M’S are chosen by the first space shuttle astronauts to be included in their food supply.
A range of cooking sauce under the name UNCLE BEN'S® is launched in the U.S. and the rice brand celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Royal Canin Petfoods is purchased by Mars and this leading French brand of nutritional petfood is introduced globally.
FLAVIA® wellbeing range is introduced to restore natural balance, featuring caffeine-free herbal teas including Lemon Calm, Herb Red.
Wrigley Acquisition expands Mars portfolio of brands to include : JUICY FRUIT®, ALTOIDS®, ORBIT®, EXTRA®, LIFE® and DOUBLEMINT.
Mars launches Our Principles in Action objective to guide its impact on people, planet and performance.
